The animal nursery at the annual Stawell Show is popular with children and families. Volunteers are now needed to ensure the show continues.
STAWELL - The Stawell Agricultural Society is contemplating the real possibility it won't have the numbers to sustain running the traditional spring show into the future.
The society is responsible for the annual spring show and the monthly Farmers Market.
A spokesman for the society, Ian Burke said the general committee made up entirely of volunteers, now stands at only half strength.
"There is about 15 of us on the general committee, there should be double that at about 30," Mr Burke said.
"We need to diversify in order to make the show viable.
"Every year we conduct a very successful local show, but we need new members to keep the spring show going.
"The annual spring show is well supported by funds generated by the Farmers Market, however, it is the additional committee members that are required to keep things moving in a forward direction."
Mr Burke said people really need to start thinking about whether they still want a local show.
"There must be some out there that still get enjoyment out of the activities that are provided on show day," he said.
"The hall classes such as cakes, flowers, crafts and the school art competition may well disappear.
"The animal nursery, the cattle section, the beaut ute display, the sheaf tossing, the side shows, the list just goes on and on about the things that would no longer exist."
Mr Burke said the horse section of the show in particular is another special area that would be lost.
"The horse events are very well attended and gain competitors points for their annual awards, it would be sad to see any of these events become a thing of the past," he said.
Mr Burke said Stawell is fortunate, where it is still lucky enough to have an annual show.
"Please give this some serious thought, we do not want to see our local show just dissolve as it has in other towns," he said.
The Agricultural Society is looking for someone in Stawell to co-ordinate the monthly Farmers Market.
"This position does come with an honorarium, if you are interested in being part of this friendly committee or indeed the position of market coordinator please contact us," Mr Burke said.
"We need your help."
People interested in joining the committee or taking on the position of market co-ordinator can contact secretary Lynne on 5352 7202 or 0417524054.
